July 28, 2005 -

Ottawa, Canada -- Clear Channel Entertainment, the presenter of the musical Mamma Mia!, and the National Arts Centre are working together to find solutions in order to satisfy our patrons who have tickets in the first three rows of Southam Hall.

Early this week the National Arts Centre learned that those first three rows would be unavailable because the musical required the use of the orchestra pit.

As is the case when dealing with touring shows, the NAC is provided with information about seating capacity from the presenter.  As a result of a miscommunication between Clear Channel Entertainment and the NAC, tickets in rows BB, CC and DD, which were required for Mamma Mia’s live musicians, were sold in error.

Both the National Arts Centre and Clear Channel Entertainment apologize for the inconvenience this has posed our patrons, and have been working diligently to find solutions:

• We have had great success in relocating dozens of patrons to other seating, including extra seating we have set up. Those patrons seated in those “extra seats” were offered full refunds, as well as free parking.

• We are offering full refunds to our patrons who are not able to see the performance, and have offered to keep their names on waiting lists for other performances. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the show, however, we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate everyone.  

• We are offering complimentary tickets to upcoming NAC performances--subject to availability-- to all patrons who accept refunds and are not able to see Mamma Mia!

• We have notified dozens of ticket-holders who have purchased tickets in rows BB, CC and DD to alert them of the situation, and continue to do so.

Shana Levin, General Manager of Broadway in Ottawa, Clear Channel Entertainment, issued the following statement:

“Unfortunately, due to a problem with the ticketing process, we are making best efforts to relocate a limited number of affected patrons for performances of Mamma Mia!.  We are working closely with the National Arts Centre to notify affected ticket holders in advance and to provide alternative options.  We sincerely regret any inconvenience to our patrons.”

If patrons have any questions they may contact the National Arts Centre box office at 947-7000 ext. 274.

Once again, Clear Channel Entertainment and the NAC apologize for the inconvenience this has posed to its patrons and thank them for their understanding.

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For more information:
Mary Gordon, Communications Advisor
National Arts Centre
(613) 947-7000, ext. 524       

Shana Levin
General Manager, Clear Channel Entertainment Theatrical Canada
(416) 923-0330, ext. 255